Most Recent Things to Do in Chambéry

Castle of the Dukes

The Castle of the Dukes is without question the most important legacy left to Chambery, but to afford yourself the opportunity of taking a good look at it you will need to get your timing right, as it can only be viewed internally by guided tour.These tours, which can be booked through the Tourist Office in Place du Palais de Justice, are only on offer once a day outside of July and August (except Monday) at 2.30pm and cost €4. (June 2013). Unfortunately my timing wasn’t good and so we had to make do with just taking a look around the small museum.Originally constructed in the Middle Ages for the Counts of Savoie, it became not only a fortress and their favourite residence, but also their seat of government as well, which is why the town became capital of Savoie.In 1408 Count Amadeus VIII, who would later become the 1st Duke of Savoie, built a new chapel, which subsequently became known as the Holy Chapel when it was used to house the Holy Shroud at the end of the 15th cent.When the capital was transferred to Turin in 1563 the castle remained a royal residence and administrative centre.In 1881 it was listed as a historic monument and today is the home of the Prefecture and General Council of Savoie.I haven't been able to find a website that is of much use so if you intend visiting I suggest that you contact the Tourist Office for the latest information. The link is below - if you can read it!

Related to:

Castles and Palaces

Historical Travel

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The Chateau of the Dukes of Savoy.

The former home of the Dukes of Savoy is a collection of buildings from middle ages to the present day. There are tours with a guide. Today the Chateau is the seat of the Prefecture, and the local council. In 1500s the holy shroud, now in Turin, was keep in the Chateau.